One Day Itinerary of Metz: Unveiling France's Hidden Gem
Updated: Aug 27
Yellow limestone buildings plastered the landscape of the city, throwing off a golden sand like texture to the city charm. Green manicured lush trees stretched out on the banks of the Moselle river. White swans and sailboats in the distance sailing peacefully to the moor. All manifestations to the peace and calm that Metz offers to its people and tourists alike. Can it be more promising? Let us explore this city of Art and History.
Honestly, I totally deserved this break. The endless cycle of chores and household responsibilities really wore me down, and it was about time I escaped the kitchen and laundry room (ugh!). I should definitely pat myself on the back for planning this getaway—so conveniently close to home and yet somehow far enough to feel like a real escape!
Table of Contents: One Day Itinerary of Metz: Unveiling France's Hidden Gem Where is Metz and How to Get There? Which Languages do People Speak in Metz? Other noteworthy sights in the One day itinerary of Metz |
Where is Metz and How to Get There?
A reasonable drive away from Amsterdam (4.5 hours) and Paris ( 3 hours), Metz in France is a relaxing weekend getaway for the much needed worked up soul. But a bit of urban exploration was surely up my alley, considering now that I'd known Metz is a 3000 thousand year old Gallo-Roman city and the capital of the Lorraine region.
✈️ The nearest airport to Metz is Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (ETZ), located about 25 kilometers away from the city center. To reach Metz, you have various options. If you prefer flying, you can book a flight to Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport from major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or other European hubs. For international travelers, you can connect through larger airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS HERE.
🚖 Upon arrival at the airport, you can easily book a taxi to your destination using EASY AIRPORT TAXIS BOOKINGS. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are reliable and convenient options for getting around Metz.
🚆 If you prefer traveling by train, Metz is served by the Metz-Ville railway station, which is well-connected to major cities, including Paris and Amsterdam. The station is just a short distance from the city center. Train tickets from Amsterdam to Metz cost approximately €50 to €100 and take around 5 to 6 hours, while tickets from Paris to Metz cost about €25 to €60 and take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
🚌 Buses are another option to reach Metz. The main bus terminal is located in the city center, with services connecting to various cities. For those arriving by train, the bus station near the Metz-Ville railway station offers easy transfers. Bus tickets from Amsterdam to Metz cost approximately €30 to €50 and take about 8 to 10 hours, while tickets from Paris to Metz typically range from €10 to €25 and take around 2 to 3 hours.
🚗 You can also choose to rent a car for your trip, which can be conveniently arranged by BOOKING HERE.
Which Languages do People Speak in Metz?
In Metz, people mainly speak French, but because the city is near Luxembourg and Germany, the name "Metz" has German roots. Interestingly, many locals also speak English, especially in tourist spots and among younger people, making it easy for visitors to get around. The city’s mix of languages reflects its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.
A Brief History of Metz
🏰 During the Middle Ages, Metz was a free city in the Holy Roman Empire and was living its best life!
⚔️ Then came the 16th century when Henri II decided to throw a little siege party, bringing Metz under French control, where it happily stayed until 1870.
🇩🇪 Enter the Franco-German War, which flipped the script for Metz! Under the Treaty of Frankfurt in 1871, it officially became a German city.
🏗️ Metz was annexed into the shiny new German Empire in the Alsace-Lorraine region, directly ruled by Berlin, and underwent major fortifications to protect the Reich.
⏳ Fast forward through a whirlwind of changes until the end of World War I in 1918, when Metz was sent back to France.
💣 But wait, there’s more! During the Battle of France from 1940 to 1945 in World War II, the city was re-annexed by Nazi Germany.
✨ After a long and fierce battle, Metz finally returned to France. Phew! That’s quite a historical game of ping-pong!
Now, since my trip was more about relaxation than sightseeing, I didn’t hit up all the must-see spots like the museums. But don’t worry, I’ve covered all those highlights in my blog post! One day in Metz is definitely doable, and even if you’re the type who loves to check off every box, a single day is still plenty of time to soak in the charm of this city!
A lazy stroll in the Place Saint-Louis
We started off early and began our day at Place Saint-Louis in the old town of Metz. Like every European city has an old town, so does Metz. t is an old medieval square from the Middle Ages. At a glance, you’d notice a periphery of yellow limestone built stunning renaissance houses and a sea of ivory coloured umbrellas donning the square centre.
The liveliness is truly unmatched, with a plethora of shopsellers in their boutique outlets selling luxury products, people basking in the sun with their glasses of Auxerrois varietals, and trendy restaurants dotting the square. Even the Maaf insurance company in the square looked stunning in its medieval architecture!
Relish a Crepe at Place Saint Jacques
A 10 minute walk from Place Saint Louis is the Place Saint Jacques. In the center of the square is the column of the Virgin and it is surrounded by restaurants and eateries. It was pretty quiet when we arrived around 11 am so we decided to make a pit stop at the crêperie Crepe Addict to relish a French crepe. Forget relish, I’d say Hog on to the crepes if you have an appetite! The kids made merry eating a crepe with chocolate topped with cream and we settled for a crêpe au jambon au four (pancake with ham in the oven).
Crêpe Addict is your go-to fast-food crêperie situated in Place Saint Jacques right in the heart of Metz. Enjoy your delicious French crêpe and let me know what you think!
Address: Crepe Addict, 31 Pl. Saint-Jacques , 57000 Metz
Take a moment at the Metz Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Étienne)
After living these many years in Europe, one thing is known that Europe is not Europe without its cathedrals. The cathedral entrance is from the sculpted door which opens onto Place d’ Armes called the Portail de la Vierge. Before entering the cathedral, I informed the kids that this was a holy abode that was built from the 13th to 16th centuries and that it is a very unique cathedral because of its great quantity of stained glass that entirely fills the upper walls.
Did you know? Metz Cathedral or Saint-Etienne Cathedral (in English as St Stephen) has a vast expanse of stained glass covering 6,496 square meters (approximately 70,000 ft), the largest to say in all of Europe. |
No wonder the cathedral has a monicker as ‘La lanterne du Bon Dieu’ or ‘The Lantern of God’. Another noteworthy feature of the cathedral is the astronomical clock that was built in 1453. The building is made of stone of Jaumont, a local limestone rock and is an impressive 41.77 metres tall, making it the 3rd tallest cathedral in all of France and possessing one of the highest naves of any cathedral in France. The cathedral design takes inspiration from medieval works and it’s sculptures have a a Gothic style. Sadly it is still unknown to a lot of international travellers.
You can avail guided tours at the cathedral, the link for the same is given here - http://cathedrale-metz.fr/visites-guidees/
Timings:
Monday to Saturday - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM; Sunday - 2 PM to 6 PM
Enjoy a sumptuous Lorraine meal
You may want to pick one of the many restaurants specializing in local Lorraine cuisine such as dishes including Metz mirabelle (delightful golden plum used in plenty of jams), Andouillette (French sausage made of pork spare rib, intestines with aromatic herbs), Lorraine hotpot (a vegetable stew with sausages and meat), Quiche Lorraine (French tart made of eggs, heavy cream, bacon, and Swiss cheese), Griotte cherries (sour cherries) to name a few.
For Restaurants in Metz specializing in Lorraine cuisine, please visit the link: https://www.pagesjaunes.fr/annuaire/metz-57/restaurants-cuisine-lorraine
Covered Marketplace (Marché Couvert)
The new bishop’s palace which had started construction in 1785 and then successively stopped due to the French Revolution, is now a beautiful covered market right in front of the Metz cathedral. Constructed between 18th and 19th century, the historic covered marketplace is one of the oldest in all of France. Home to traditional food producers and retailers, this marketplace is situated right in the heart of the historical center of the city, right in front of the Metz cathedral on Place d’Armes. It is a permanent covered structure reminiscent of an architectural beauty of a palace with permanent stalls and shops. Vendors are selling everything to delight the taste buds such as fresh fruit, vegetables and food from local producers. It is basically a great avenue for greengrocers, roasters, regional products, delicatessens, fishmongers, butchers, caterers, on-site and take-out restaurants, all in a historic setting in the city!
Unfortunately since we travelled on Ascension Day, the market was closed.
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday - 8 AM to 6 PM
The market is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Soak up some sun on the lawns of Temple Neuf
Another great place to unwind and relax are the back gardens by the Temple Neuf. I saw a pretty girl take a selfie with her friend one minute and the next minute she was reading a book lying down on the soft grass of the temple lawn. The lawn is in the backyard of the temple and is pretty consize. However, the temple is new and pretty sizeable with a capacity of approximately 1200 people.Temple Neuf is a Protestant church in Metz constructed in neo-Romanesque style. It is located on place de la Comédie, next to Opéra-Théâtre, at the center of the Jardin d'Amour. It is surmounted by five towers and consists of a short nave.
With a lovely pink to their door designs in wood and wrought iron, the centenary temple was commissioned by the Emperor William II in the 20th century.
Paddle Your Worries Away
With the wind in our face and little waves splashing against our boat, the sail down the river was the most relaxing bustle of our trip. So, you can take delight in a boat trip on the Moselle (Mosel) river with a battery operated boat, solar boat or a paddle boat, row or even kayak your way through rapids if you are a professional. Whilst doing so, you can appreciate the ecological beauty of the fauna and flora in Metz Métropole.
We rented our electric boat from a boat rental company called La Flottille. They have several boats, colorful ones, paddle and battery operated ones, although quite pricey. For a 30 Minute boat electric boat ride, we paid €48 and €400 advance in case of any damages.
For bookings, timings and address, YOU CAN VISIT THIS PAGE.
Watch a play at Metz Theatre
I know this is a one day itinerary of Metz, but if you can squeeze in some time, please watch a play in the oldest theatre in France. The Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole was definitely on my to-do list, after all it's been in operation for well over two hundred and fifty years! It's worth watching a performance in the Metz Theatre. But honestl I couldn't fit it in my relaxing itinerary.
Amazing fact: The 750 seater opera house is one of the last French opera houses to have both a permanent choir and a corps de ballet. |
Book your plays on the official website: https://opera.eurometropolemetz.eu/fr/
Walk along the banks of Moselle river
Dandelions strewn across lawns, buttercups gleaming in the sun, fountains pouring out white gushes and birds chirping in tandem are all and more that make up Metz. And walking along the banks of the Moselle river is such a peaceful affair. The pleasant promenades and chestnut trees along the banks of the Mozelle river is a delight to the soar eyes.
Halfway across the river, you will notice the Temple Neuf and an array of chestnut trees.
Metz offers bike rental services, and cycling is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenic views along the Moselle River and in the parks. There are dedicated bike paths throughout the city. The cost is approximately €10-€15 per day for bike rentals. Some bike-sharing services may offer hourly rates or day passes. Look for local bike rental shops or bike-sharing apps. |
Esplanade
After surrendering our boats back to the rental company, we decided to head back to the parking via the Esplanade garden route. The Esplanade garden or Jardin de l'esplanade de Metz is a French style garden created in the early 19th century.
It was designed on the last remains and ditches of the 16th century Citadel. Located on an area of more than 9200 square meters, it is perfect for relaxation and a leisure walk. No wonder Metz takes pride in being a true Garden City.
The kids found it a tad bit boring considering it had no element of play involved in it. Shrubs, trees, carpeted garden beds and flowers here make for no interesting play for the kids, so they were a tad bit bored. We got them ice creams from a nearby cafe along with some freshly squeezed orange juice for us. We sat on a bench in the garden and gazed at the beautiful Mont Saint Quentin.
Fascinating art at Centre Pompidou-Metz
A site for an extensive collection of modern art, Pompidou Center – Metz opened in 2010 in Metz. This avante-garde building is a regional branch of Paris’s Pompidou Centre, although I haven't been to the latter. This is a present-day architectural monument which is highlighted by an undulating roof. It is built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre. For people fascinated with modern and contemporary art, Centre Pompidou-Metz is a must do. Located in the heart of the city, it's a 10,000 m² of interior surface and 4 galleries are dedicated to various exhibitions.
Buy your tickets here: https://www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/fr/preparer-ma-visite/tarifs-offres
Timings: Wednesday to Monday - 11 AM to 9 PM; Tuesday closed
Other noteworthy sights in the One day itinerary of Metz
There are various other sights that are worthy of your time and attention in Metz, however I did not see them all. But I have included the information below for your information.
Revisit history at Porte des Allemands (German Gate)
This is noteworthy tourist attraction in Metz. Porte des Allemands is a superb fortified gate symbolizing Metz's medieval era. It is Metz’s architectural symbol because it is Metz’s last structure of its defensive fortifications dating back to the 13th century. If you wander down rue Maginot, you will head to these German Gates. These massive gates are emblematic to the city of Metz and is a well preserved fort perched above a river. It is definitely worth your time.
Did you know? Porte des Allemands was constructed by the same Order who constructed both Bran Castle in Romania and Malbork Castle in Poland.
Timings: 2-5 pm on weekdays; 2-6 pm on Saturday and Sunday; Mondays closed
Bike your way through the Lorraine capital
After Netherlands, I was amazed to see the immense network of excellent biking paths in Metz. Bike through the city alongside the river Mosel or in the old town on the well constructed bike paths. This way you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of Metz with wind in your hair.
All through the old town, you will notice a typical architectural style and paint to the buildings and houses. Either the materials include yellow limestone (Jaumont) architecture or they include the German architecture in a pink and gray sandstone and granite or both.
Petit Train de Metz (Electric tourist train)
An interesting and very informative way to also tour Metz is by the electric tourist train, positioned right outside the cathedral. It's an hour long tour with a guide and headphones with 6 languages. It costs €7 per person and €25 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 kids). The driver takes you to all the major attractions of the city and gives you valuable information on the same. It departs on the hour, so make sure to be there early to get your seat. After all it's first come first serve basis.
Closing Thoughts
My time in Metz left me feeling refreshed and inspired by the city’s beauty. The golden limestone buildings and peaceful riverside views made for a perfect getaway. Exploring its historic streets, enjoying delicious crepes, and visiting the Centre Pompidou-Metz reminded me of the importance of taking a break. Metz is a wonderful mix of art, history, and nature. If you’re looking for a relaxing trip filled with culture and charm, make sure to add Metz to your travel list. Happy travels!
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